Original subtitles

The people in this film speak the Kadar language of the tribe.

For the audience’s understanding, certain portions at the beginning have been translated into Tamil.

'Hey! Blurt it out'

'I don't know anything, sir'

'I know you stole, tell me'

'I swear I don't know anything, sir. I wasn't even in town'

Sir!

Where did the accident happen?

Near Kaana Vilakku

- 'Aiyo! - Hit the child and drove away'

'Wretched fellow! Hit the child and drove away'

'Go and save the child'

'Ambulance will be delayed'

'Bring an auto'

'For every individual'

'Time and Need provide multi-fold experiences'

'Accepting that as a given'

'Looking at it repeatedly and moving on, is life'

'A memorable experience embedded for eternity in my thoughts'

'...is thanks to only one girl'

'In this hamlet, only a few men knew to speak Tamil'

'Women knew only their own tribal language'

'Some people living here have not even seen the outside world'

'Despite the barriers faced on a day to day basis'

'She nurtured self confidence to prove each and every obstacle can be surmounted'

'Transformed her trials and tribulations into a lesson for all to benefit

'That girl is Kurinji'

'Arulvaan'

'One Who Blesses'

"Enchanting water lily My mountain ebony"

"Won't kurinji buds bloom all around with your footprints on the ground?"

"Won't the tailor bird yearn to hear your nectar-sweet voice, my dear?"

"Cool drizzles stretch their hands to you"

"Our deities lift you with love so true"

"Eternal rain showers waiting to celebrate your success with you"

"Sheaf of grains turn towards you instead of the sun, to admire anew"

"Enchanting water lily My mountain ebony"

"Won't kurinji buds bloom all around with your footprints on the ground?"

Don't throw a tantrum. If you shouldn't go, you should not

I will go.

Why are you sitting quiet?

- Simply sitting and watching - Why make a fuss, dear?

Let her come with me.

I'm with her, right? Why be worried?

- You come with me, child. - Okay, father.

You're pampering her too much, not good at all.

Hold your plait.

Don't wander around. Come back safe and sound.

"In your hands, our dear princess our world exists boundless"

"To sleep peacefully in your shadow"

God, bless us Come, let's go

Appa, where are we going today to gather honey?

The honey on top of the hillock is ready for harvest

We will bring that down.

- How far should we walk, pa? - We’ll have to walk through the night.

"Koel's sweet songs heard crystal clear"

"In the lines of your palm, dear child happiness flows free and wild"

"Honestly I praise you as pearl pure and true"

"Not wrong at all to hail you as the light dispelling darkness in every home bright"

"For our clan, my dear, heap wealth"

"You'll realize our forest is your breath"

Don't be scared.

It's the God we worship.

It won't harm us.

Kurinji

Good looks and brains are not enough for a girl.

She needs to be courageous.

Not be scared.

You should not feel sad if you have no one to help you.

A forest can be really thick and vast.

You should learn to be courageous to face any adversity in life.

Can you see the hillock over there?

I'll harvest honey and be back, you sit here.

- Okay? - Okay, appa

"Looking at your lovely face so innocent"

"Even the radiant full moon wanes 100%"

"When your eyes smile with love and care even cicadas buzz and bloom everywhere"

"In hair's parting, above your forehead"

"Stars float & shine guiding the way ahead"

"With steps of our favorite child's dance the soil beneath enhances in fragrance"

"You breeze in like a butterfly, my dear"

"You will cross the sea limitless Touch the vast sky, our princess"

"Like a spring that never dries; bountiful you will wander spreading love plentiful"

"On its bank like the cool wind spiraling narrate stories to all, awe-inspiring"

"Enchanting water lily My mountain ebony"

"Won't kurinji buds bloom all around with your footprints on the ground?"

"Won't the tailor bird yearn to hear your nectar-sweet voice, my dear?"

Appa, where are they going daily for work?

They are not going to work, dear.

They are going to school.

- School? - Yes, dear

School? What do they do there?

A school is...

a place where all the children gather...

There will be a teacher to teach them lessons.

Children will be given books to read.

Why should one study?

Education is what shapes and controls a person.

An educated person will be listened to by others.

Same goes for our land and clan too.

Education is the path to a better life.

Why didn't you study then?

It was not an option for us.

No body bothered to educate us.

Hearing all this makes me want to study as well.

Father, let me study as well.

Let's see, dear

- Buddy... - Yes...

- Be careful. Mr.Danger is on his way. - Okay.

If he asks, tell him we went to Mekkadu for work.

Okay.

Sir, we got two scapegoats.

He won’t spare us even without anything. Now we’ve got stolen mushrooms too.

Greetings, sir.

Where were you?

Sir, we just got back from Mekkadu after work.

What's in the bag?

Lunch, sir.

Hand me the bags.

Sir, these are edible mushrooms.

Is this your lunch?

Mushroom omelette and Mushroom soup, is it?

- Sir, please forgive us. - Are you trying foreigner's cuisine?

Why wait for lunchtime?

Let's feast rightaway.

What do you say, dear?

Hey, come on...

Thrash them...

How dare you cross the fence and enter foreigner’s garden?

Bloody thieves...

You want mushrooms, is it?

Who do you think you messing with?

If the villagers come to know about this, it might be a problem.

Slap an FIR against them. Say they killed a deer or peacock.

Bring them.

If anyone dares to step into the foreigner’s garden…

this will be their fate.

Pandian, what's happening?

When are you going to hand over this magical gold mine to us?

This magic gold mine belongs to us

Another 10 days you can trip on these magic mushies.

And you can trip and die in this mushie gold mine.

You don't worry, I'll take care of the dirty, ugly tribal villagers.

Why didn't any of you study, ma?

In our clan, girls are generally

not allowed to interact with other men.

We were told this over and over.

This even forbade us from interacting with the teacher.

Then how can we study?

Why do we need education?

Only those who desire a lot need to study.

We are happy with our life within four walls.

Before you were born we had schools in our community.

What good will it do if girls study…?

Using that as a lame excuse...

Even the boys did not go to school, just like the girls.

That is the reason...

Govt closed down the school here, my dear

Mr.Paper, stop there.

What brings you here?

- I am going to visit the village on the hills. - You can't go there.

Why is that? Is the forest on fire? Or are you going to light it up?

You sound arrogant. Come, speak with the officer.

Where are you going?

To the hillock.

Why do you have to drink inside a forest? Don't you have wine shops back home?

I meant I am going to the village up in the hills.

Are you drunk?

Being sarcastic, are you?

Check his bags.

Don't you dare touch my bag.

Tell me why I shouldn't go to the village.

Movement between the plains and the hill village is banned. Government order

This is to stop smuggling of goods.

I will kill you, if I see you again.

Get lost. Look at his funny attire.

Aren't you the one who smuggles goods all the time?

This isn't the only route to the village.

How are you?

We are fine

Why have you missed your path?

The entire forest is fenced

I got lost, not knowing which way to go

Let's go

- Be careful. - Yes, come on.

- How is your village chief? - He is fine, sir

Sir, I have a request...

The fencing is causing us trouble.

Even in emergencies, we’re forced to take a longer route, adding 10 extra km.

Even there, the foreigners have put up electric fences in many places.

If even people can’t tell which fences are electric, how would animals know?

Please inform the authorities and help us reclaim our path.

Dividing and claiming forests in bits and pieces isn’t new.

This has been happening for ages.

I won’t let this slide.

I’ll write about it in our magazine.

It will create a stir among the higher officials.

I have an errand in the neighboring village.

You go your way.

- Take care - Okay

'Magic mushroom'

'It isn't the edible kind'

'It is an intoxicant that dims our senses'

Hey!

Who are you, man?

Hey!

Call the forest officer.

Sir, right here...

You brute...

Have you lost it?

Because of you, the whole clan will be thrown behind bars.

If he had died, who would be answerable to his country?

If anything happens to the foreigners or the wild animals,

You got to pay the price.

Get lost!

Move...

Let's go.

Come on.

Aa...maravalli...

Aa... maravalli...

My father gave a feast to the entire village and named me 'Amaravalli'...

Pronounce my name correctly.

Shout only if you can pronounce it right.

Stop calling me A…valli or B…valli!

Hold this.

What is this?

I got into a fight with those foreigners.

Hey, it’s nothing.

Why do you care about others?

Why do you get so angry?

They keep trampling over us because we stay silent.

My father and grandfather created this forest.

How dare they block me from entering?

Do you want me to wish them well and walk away?

Should I stay quiet when my people are in trouble?

I have only one daughter.

What if something happens to you?

What will I do then?

Why are you crying over this?

Just give me your word…

I’ll gladly give you a son.

You’re good with words, all right.

The boy from the southern village seems like a good boy.

Your father is coming. Don't tell him about this.

Father...

Where were you?

Mariamma from our village has attained puberty.

So I went to buy pooja items for the ritual.

Where is your kid?

She has gone to river to take a dip.

- Ask her to come. - Okay.

- Dear... - Yes...

Come on. Let’s go for worship.

They are the ones who pave the paths in the village.

Grandpa, how long have you been doing this deity-possessed dance?

I’ve been doing it since I was 16.

Who did it before you?

My father did it before me.

My grandfather did it before him.

My great-grandfather before that.

We’ve been doing this for generations.

Your mother is next in line after me.

Since I had a daughter…

my son-in-law will take over as my son.

You’re a girl, so your husband will do it in the future.

Dear, do you want to do it?

No, I am going to study.

Alright, dear.

Usually mom and daughter dance in anger...

Hey, stop everyone! Stop! Where are you going?

Which forest are you going to set on fire?

Sir, we are on our way to worship our ancestral deity.

Deity? Who?

Ancestral deity.

- Where is that? - In Mekkadu.

Mekkadu?

From whom did you get permission?

Sir, we haven’t needed permission all these years.

You must get permission from me.

You can’t enter the forest as you please.

It would be a sin if we don’t complete this ritual for our ancestral deity.

To hell with the deity and the sin.

What is all this?

You worship trees and hills, don’t you?

The trees and hills are all around you.

Offer your prayers and get lost.

Sir, why are you causing trouble?

The foreigners are exploiting the forest for mushrooms.

You don’t question them.

Why are you troubling us? All we wanted was to offer prayers.

- Who are you? - Dear, it's alright.

Stay quiet.

Hey, Mr. Chief...

Is he a rowdy in your village?

Don’t you know how to speak to an officer?

I should have thrashed you the very day you fought with those foreigners.

I took pity on you people.

Two months ago, someone was killed by an elephant.

Three people were killed by a tiger.

What if you get killed too?

Who do you think will answer to the government?

Will you answer them?

Take everyone and leave.

Drive everyone away.

Get away everybody. Leave now.

People, bow before the hills. Let’s leave now.

- Let's go. - Dear lord.

- Let's go. - Why is the officer so adamant?.

Let's go everybody.

- Hey - Yes, sir.

If we single out the chief, we can drive the villagers away.

Let’s target him first.

Is that a gunshot?

It sounds like someone fired a gun inside the forest.

You go ahead. I’ll check and join you.

Okay, chief.

I don’t know what that gunshot was about.

- Let our chief check and come - Come on

I shoot a deer, and a monkey shows up.

Hello, clan chief. What brings you here?

Sir, I heard a gunshot…

That’s why I came running.

Did you come after hearing the shot, or did you fire it?

Sir, where would I even get a gun?

But there’s a dead deer here.

Sir, snakes and other creatures here are like our own family.

Even before cutting a tree, we ask its permission!

Why would we harm them?

So you ask the trees for permission to cut them, but not us?

Who killed this deer?

Whoever killed it will die a painful death.

Hey! Watch your tongue!

You say you didn’t shoot it? Then give me a written statement that you didn’t kill it.

Come on...

Is your signature enough? Or should your entire clan sign?

My signature is enough, sir. People will listen to me.

Clan chief, write here that you didn’t kill the deer.

I don’t know how to read or write, sir.

We’ve had no access to education at all, sir.

Then leave your thumbprint.

I’ll fill it in for you.

Not your right hand. Use your left hand.

Place your thumb there.

Sir, what is this atrocity?

Why are you measuring our land?

How can you even ask me that?

Didn’t you sign an affidavit promising to evict these people for me?

Sir, are you trying to turn us against ourselves?

First ask your men to move out of our village.

Clan chief, you are going back on your word.

I thought you would evacuate the village for me…

How dare you ask my survey men to leave?

Should I tell everyone what you did?

This man standing here…

He promised to evacuate the entire village within eight days…

and in return, he took a bundle of cash in his dhoti.

Isn't it true that he took the money?

- Look at what he did? - Dear Lord...

Chief...

To this day, our chief has never touched money.

It’s a vow like no other. You wouldn’t understand even if I explained.

I swear on everything sacred.

This man didn’t even count a single currency note.

He bundled it in his lap and walked away, swaying his hips.

When this mountain gives us a livelihood to live comfortably…

why do we need this paper currency?

Hey! Go search the chief’s house.

Okay, sir

We’ll know the truth soon.

If our livelihood is threatened, we won’t mind to risk our lives.

This mountain gave us the strength to stand against anyone.

The same mountain taught us patience.

Don’t take that away from us.

It won’t end well for you.

Chief, are you hearing this?

Instead of taking your people down to the plains, you’re causing trouble here?

Share the money I gave you with your entire clan.

You’d better ask your villagers to abandon the hills and move to the plains.

Sir, this is despicable. You did this for money?

Do we have anywhere other than the forests?

Where are we supposed to find work with our kids?

Chief, please don't cry.

I beg you, my people...

I did not betray you.

Even if a dog licks the offering we make to God,

our devotion to the Lord never fades.

Your head, held high, will never bow in shame.

Don’t be upset.

Even if it cost him his life…

my father would never have done something like putting his hand in the fire.

My father innocently put his thumbprint on that paper.

Look at the misery it has brought us.

If even one man in our clan were educated…

we wouldn’t be facing exile from our own land.

Daughter…

What is it, father?

Send some hot herbal tea if you have any.

I’ll send it over.

When the whole hamlet speaks ill of a man who never wronged anyone…

my heart feels heavy.

Please don’t trouble yourself.

- Kurinji - Ma?

- Take this to Grandpa. Be careful not to spill it. - Okay

Take this. Watch your step.

Be careful, dear.

The Chief has made a terrible mistake.

We are doomed. Where can we go now?

Don’t judge him so quickly.

- But he sold the land! - Hush, his grandchild is coming.

- It’s dark. Watch your step. - Okay, anna

How are we going to solve this issue?

Nobody knows the truth.

Grandpa, take this.

Don’t worry, grandpa.

This is our village. No matter who threatens us,

we will never leave this place.

I have no words, child.

My peaceful life has come crashing down.

How much more betrayal must I face?

I’ve lost trust in everyone.

For our clan to move forward with our heads held high,

never put your thumbprint on a blank sheet blindly.

Why do you say this, grandpa?

“This mountain belongs to me.”

“My word is law. I make the rules.”

He spoke to me with such arrogance.

That arrogance came from his education, child.

He made me stand there, not letting me move an inch.

He ordered me to obey him.

His sense of authority came from his education.

Education alone gives courage and confidence.

For generations, our biggest mistake was believing in an old superstition.

We told our girls not to look at any man other than their husband.

To enforce that rule, we kept you all uneducated.

You must study, dear.

If all of you study…

your education can reclaim what we lost.

Promise me you will study.

Don’t be upset, grandpa.

I promise I will study.

Alright, go home safely.

Let me rest for a while, dear.

Grandpa!

'The chief, shattered by the village’s mistrust…'

'and consumed by guilt,'

'severed the very thumb that was used against him.'

'And then took his own life'

Why are you creating unnecessary trouble?

Trouble?

We’re here to speak up for people whose basic rights are denied.

The government and its officers are meant to hear your concerns…

and ensure you receive proper support.

But you fenced our land and handed it over to foreigners.

You’ve stopped our people from moving freely.

You killed a deer and pinned the blame on us.

It’s a ploy to grab our land, sir.

Are they asking for the impossible? They just want to live here.

Leaving their ancestral gods and land behind… where are they supposed to go?

Your officer tricked an illiterate man into a thumbprint for a no-hunting pledge

Now he’s using it to seize their land. How can we stay quiet?

If they are guilty, I will make them face punishment.

But first, ask him to show where the deer is buried and produce the necropsy report.

Alright…

You won’t be troubled anymore.

I’ll take it from here.

Have faith in me.

Please disperse now.

Sir, we trust you. We’ll leave.

Everyone, let’s go.

Don’t worry. Everything will be sorted out.

He’ll take care of it.

Appa

What?

I want to study

There are already three complaints against you.

I have a full file of your misconduct on my desk.

You’ve brought disgrace to the department.

Is this how you treat the public?

This is your last warning.

Nonsense.

Get lost.

Sir, the villagers ruined our deal with the foreigners.

We shouldn’t let them off easy.

I’ll take care of it.

Sir, we should bury everyone left in the village.

How many 'couplets' have you memorized?

Only five.

I memorized ten.

- Recite them, then. - Shall I?

'Though the world spins, it follows the plow. Farming is supreme'

I memorized what the teacher taught yesterday.

- Did you? - No

She’ll scold you. You’re in trouble today!

...but it is good to forget a wrong immediately.

- Shall we learn two new couplets? - Yes, Teacher.

- Bhuvaneswaran, stand up. - Yes, Teacher.

"To forget a good deed is not good, and good it is to forget at once what isn't good."

Tell me the meaning of this couplet.

When someone does a good deed, we must be grateful forever.

When someone does a bad deed, we must forget it that very day.

Very good.

Everyone, give him a hand.

- 'Sister' - Thank you, teacher

'Sit down, Bhuvaneswaran'

Who are you, child?

What do you want?

Okay, come in

Come inside...

Hey!

Who are you?

Where are you from?

Sister…

I’m from Poonkudi.

I want to study.

Will you teach me too?

Children...

Did you understand what she said?

No, teacher.

- Bhuvaneswaran, come here - Yes, Teacher

Find Kumar, the honey seller, downstairs.

Let’s see if he understands her language.

- Go call him - Okay, teacher.

- Careful... - Yes, teacher

Wait. He’ll be here soon.

Okay, tell me. What is your name?

Teacher, Kumar anna is here.

Come in...

- Hello, - Greetings, teacher

Kumar, see if this child speaks your language.

Ask her what she wants.

[Kadar] Where are you from?

Poonkudi...

She speaks our language, Teacher.

Why have you come so far?

Brother...

There’s no school in our settlement.

None of us can read or write.

She says there’s no school in her village. No one there is educated.

The Forest Officer tricked her grandfather into signing a paper.

They’re forcing the villagers to leave.

Her grandfather died of heartbreak.

So she came here, looking for a school.

Come here, child.

Come.

Your desire to study is admirable.

Especially that you came on your own.

The government supports girls’ education.

But you shouldn’t have to walk 15 km to study.

We can start a school in your village.

You must gather your village elders.

Ask them to go to town and meet the Village Officer…

…or the Revenue Officer.

They’ll review it and send a report to the Collector.

The Collector will pass an order.

Then your village will get a school.

Kumar, explain this to her in your language.

Tell your elders to meet the Collector.

Then you’ll get a school in your village.

Where can I find this… ‘Colloctori’?

Go down the mountain. He’ll be in the town.

You go and tell your elders.

They will know what to do.

Okay.

Go home safely.

- Amaravalli... - Sister, tell me.

Father...

Your kid has come.

I went to the school in the neighboring village.

I saw many girls like me studying there.

'Hey, focus on your work. Stop staring.'

The teacher said it’s too far to travel every day.

She said if our elders meet the Collector…

...we can get a school in our village.

She said I can study here.

Father, can you go and meet the Collector?

Then we can all study here.

Hey! How dare you go that far without telling anyone?

Don’t you know wild animals roam the forest?

Stay home like a good girl. Don’t make me come hit you.

Go back home.

Hey, let it go.

Don't scold the child.

- Go on. Keep pampering her. - Dear...

It's the collectori, right.

We will go meet him.

You go home now.

Let me finish the work.

Alright, go on.

Okay father.

Yes.

The Collector is right here, plucking weeds, waiting for you.

Let it go.

Don’t scold her. She’s just a child.

She acts this way because you pamper her.

She just wants to study.

Just nod and let her be.

Why are you yelling at her?

You shouldn’t encourage this.

After puberty…

…the custom is to pick a stone and choose a husband.

We must drill that into her.

Enough! She’s just a child.

Let her study.

We can worry about marriage later.

Let her do what we couldn’t.

Stop yelling at her.

If I give in, she’ll become uncontrollable.

Leave it to me. I’ll set her straight.

Do whatever you want!

Kurinji!

Kurinji!

My dear Kurinji…

Dear, what are you doing here?

What happened?

No, Dad…

it’s nothing.

My dear…

Do you think I don’t know my daughter?

Tell me what’s bothering you. Dad is here.

Dad.

When I’m married off tomorrow…

You’ll all be happy, won’t you?

I heard what you and Mom said about me.

You gave me your word back in the village.

But within these four walls…

…you just nod to whatever Mom says.

Then how…

How do you expect me to trust you?

No, dear...

In this village…

…no one cares about anyone.

Because of the ignorance of the village…

…I lost my grandfather.

Tomorrow...

…we might face the same fate.

He cared so much for this village.

But today…

…they believe he betrayed them.

He…

…made me promise…

…that I should study.

But...

I hesitated at first, thinking of the villagers.

Still, I gave my word, because I believed in you.

I trusted you.

Was that wrong?

My dear…

What I told your mother…

…was just to convince her.

But what I told you was a promise.

There’s a big difference between a word and a promise.

As a father, I promise you. You will study.

As a father, I am responsible to make that happen.

Don't worry, dear. I am here.

We must find somehow bring the school here.

Hey, do you think the Collector will meet us?

They say the Collector is kind.

We’re not going for a personal issue.

We’re going to request a school.

It would be great if he can bring a school to our village.

- Yes, that's true. - Oh, yes.

Kandha! Stop there!

Your daughter has come of age.

- What? - She’s attained puberty.

Muruga!

Kandha, your daughter has come of age. You must not cross the forest for eleven days.

We’ll meet the Collector later.

- Let's go back to the village. - Come on.

Start the wedding arrangements soon.

Why are you hiding me like this?

Neither the sun nor a man’s gaze should fall on you.

Amaravalli, Kurinji will be married in a week. You’ll soon have a son-in-law.

- You’ll be a grandmother within a year. - Isn’t that good news?

Please help me with my problem.

My husband doesn’t care if it’s day or night.

He only thinks about his own pleasure.

Sister, some women worry their husbands aren’t romantic.

- Why do you worry? - My body can't take it.

Please give me a solution.

You’ll find cat droppings somewhere in the forest.

Rub it on your body at night.

The smell will keep your husband away.

I asked for help, and you’re teasing me.

- Come quietly. - Let her be.

Oh my God. It's him.

You were talking about a cat, looks like a fox has come.

Keep quiet.

Where are you going?

To gather firewood.

Didn’t we tell you to vacate the village?

Yet you keep going about your work.

If you don’t leave your village...

everyone in your village will end up like your father.

Do you understand?

If you complain to higher officials…

do you think I’ll be scared?

Go inform your villagers.

Get lost.

What do you think you’re doing?

Picking bloody firesticks, it seems.

Kandha, stop. Don't do it.

Hey, stop there.

You bloody tribe...

Stop there. You rascal.

Come on.

You pervert.

How dare you touch a woman?

We’ve seen your perversion.

How dare you stop us from entering the forest?

I’ll kill you and bury you right here.

Hey, hold on...

Let me go. I won’t spare him.

The festival is near. Let it go.

He’s a madman. Don’t mess with him.

Everyone, listen!

Do the neighboring villages know Kurinji is ready for marriage?

Sir, there are five eligible bachelors across four villages.

Let’s see who the lucky groom will be.

Let us see.

- Open the box. - Yes, sir.

Sir, this stone represents Mariyappan.

This is Muthu...

'This is Sengayan. This is Kaani.'

This is Vellaiyan

- Dear... - Chief?

Please come forward.

There are five suitors in here.

- Take this to your daughter. - Okay, sir

Ask her to choose the one she wants.

May she find a good match.

What is this?

Your future husband.

Pick one of these five stones.

Is this stone my husband?

I don’t want a stone. I don’t want a husband.

I want to study.

Infront of our clan,

...don't bring us shame.

I will study and make you proud, Ma.

If you care about our honor, pick a stone now.

No matter what you say...

...I won’t get married.

I want to talk to the village head.

Call him here.

I’ll slap the nonsense out of you!

Who do you think you’re calling?

Amaravalli, go get the chief. Let her speak to him.

Kurinji!

Kurinji, it's me. The village Chief.

Pick a stone, child.

Chief...

I don't want to get married.

I want to study.

I’m not here to grant your wishes.

You must pick a stone first.

If even one person in our clan had been educated, would my grandfather have died?

We earn our livelihood from this mountain. What use is education to us?

And even if we wanted to learn, where would we go?

Your grandfather, the old chief, was tricked and killed by the forest officer.

We need a school in our village.

Please go and meet the Collector.

- Have you lost your mind? - Stop it!

Okay, dear

If this is truly your wish...

...we elders will discuss it and decide.

I will meet the Collector myself and ask for a school for our clan.

We’re not marrying you off tomorrow.

But the ritual must be completed. Pick a stone and confirm the groom.

Okay, Chief.

I believe you.

Ask my mother to come in.

I will choose the stone.

Amaravalli, go inside.

Don't you worry...

Your wish will come true.

Now, pick a stone.

God, please grant us a school...

for our clan.

'Trusting in God and tradition, they began the wedding preparations.'

'They made offerings so their family deity would lack nothing.'

'In gratitude to the mountains and the honeybees.'

'The wedding rituals continued.'

'Kandhan dressed himself as the Divine Father.'

"Praise be to the Spear Holy Personification of Shiva and Shakti"

"Praise be to the sacred lance Held in Lord Muruga's hands"

"Torch of flame scorching red ablaze Lord Muruga's spear protects always"

"This holy spear appeared naturally to safeguard the world eternally"

"His hands wield the Holy trident with the ferocity of a raged elephant"

"On His peacock rides Skanda the valiant son of Lord Shiva"

"Muruga, through Your unchanging austerity bestow grace on me, Your humble devotee"

"Your grand crested rooster will stay as our guardian throughout the day"

"O supreme remedy and medicine Praised by all demi gods in Heaven"

"Eldest son of Lord Shiva Praised by the Vedas, Muruga"

"6 Holy abodes where You reside divine transformed into our mother's lap sublime"

"Mountains, forests & beasts roaming free turned into Lord Muruga's form naturally"

"As Lord Muruga is with us to guard unending hardships will be resolved"

"Praise be to the Spear Holy Personification of Shiva and Shakti"

"Praise be to the sacred lance Held in Lord Muruga's hands"

"Torch of flame scorching red ablaze Lord Muruga's spear protects always"

"This holy spear appeared naturally to safeguard the world eternally"

This is an ancient custom of ours.

- Kurinji? - Appa

Princess of our hills.

God is with you.

Your wish to study will surely come true.

Remember, your father supports you. Don't you worry.

Okay, father.

"Worldly life in endless motion like waves swelling in a mighty ocean"

"Muruga, our red-hued lord, divine In boundless love, His grace will shine"

"To make our wishes and dreams come true the world revolves to see us through"

"The world evolves to fulfill our aims while Time creates the right frames"

Kurinji dear, please stay put...

I am headed to the festival.

Your aunt will accompany you.

"Self-invited, Guhan came with grace as baby Muruga to bless our place"

"In childlike form, He shines bright soothes our hearts with healing light"

"Vedic rituals performed Through aeons confirmed"

"In a moment transformed with His blessings affirmed"

"His radiance so bright dispels the darkness of night"

"Torch of flame scorching red ablaze Lord Muruga's spear protects always"

"This holy spear appeared naturally to safeguard the world eternally"

"Torch of flame scorching red ablaze Lord Muruga's spear protects always"

"This holy spear appeared naturally to safeguard the world eternally"

Kurinji, eat your dinner and go to sleep.

Aunty...

As the Chief promised...

...after you meet the Collector...

...will you really make sure a school is started here?

That’s not going to happen.

It was a lie to make you choose a stone.

How could you betray me like this?

Did the whole village conspire against me?

Just to trap me in a marriage?

Yes. Picking the stone sealed the marriage.

All that remains is for the groom to arrive.

You will be handed over to him then.

What about my education?

It is your destiny.

We can't help it.

'Kurinji realized that the promise, that she could study if she married, was a lie.'

"When our dear daughter entered teen age it is time for sacred thread & marriage"

"She stands transformed, child to maiden Woeful tears all of a sudden fall unbidden"

"Handsome Muruga's handiwork divine to exchange garland with her groom in time"

"Muruga's antic, Lord Shiva's son sublime"

"His hands wield the Holy trident with the ferocity of a raged elephant"

'Amaravalli...Amaravalli'

'Kurinji is missing'

"Muruga, through Your unchanging austerity bestow grace on me, your humble devotee"

Kurinji!

Kurinji!

"Your grand crested rooster will stay as our guardian throughout the day"

Kurinji!

"O supreme remedy and medicine Praised by all demi gods in Heaven"

"Eldest son of Lord Shiva Praised by the Vedas, Muruga"

"6 Holy abodes where You reside divine transformed into our mother's lap sublime"

"Mountains, forests & beasts roaming free turned into Lord Muruga's form naturally"

"As Lord Muruga is with us to guard unending hardships will be resolved"

Who gave you permission to hit them?

"Mountains, forests & beasts roaming free turned into Lord Muruga's form naturally"

"Self-invited, Guhan came with grace as baby Muruga to bless our place"

Do you think you can do anything to control the crowd?

Sir, they are not listening to us.

We were just making sure there’s no trouble when the CM arrives.

And they’re not very cultured.

They don’t behave well.

The CM is coming here for their sake.

Kurinji!

Separating people in the name of culture. Do you call that social justice?

People will treat us the same way we treat them.

This program is for their benefit.

- Seat them in the front row. - Sorry, sir.

"My child, so pure with ideals high No soul on earth can touch your sky"

"Where have you gone, our dearest? Mother Nature is on an earnest quest"

"Our entire clan is in distress Searching for you, o' princess"

"Nowhere to be seen, my dear? Our entire hamlet is searching now here"

"Without your voice to lilt me through"

"No flute am I, just a hollow bamboo"

"Without your steps to match its song our forest stream falters to flow along"

I don't understand what you're saying, dear

Please go and ask somewhere that side

"Without you, our roosters stay mute No crowing wake-up call of salute"

"On tree tops, due vigil honeybees keep In hives they wait for you, shunning sleep"

"The low wall guarding our village boundary may crumble and fall without you, dearie"

"Water set to cook rice daily anew just refuses to boil without you"

Go away

'A girl should have the courage of a lion in the forest'

'Others should be scared of you'

'You should never be scared of anyone or anything'

"If you walk at night all alone like smoke drifting on its own"

"Can you reach your destination without any sense of direction?"

"Even if the stream burns all night and baby fishes cry in morning light"

"Will the waters turn a blind eye? Likewise we still search with many a sigh"

"Like drizzles lost in the vast, blue sea"

"Days drifted by without any identity"

"Dawn and dusk elusive and illusive Your absence hurts as a grief effusive"

"My child, with ideals lofty & true No soul on earth can surpass you"

"Where have you gone, my dear? Our hills & forest call from far and near"

"Our entire clan is in distress Searching for you, dear princess"

"Nowhere to be seen, my dear? Our entire hamlet is searching now here"

Walk that way.

Do you need some fruits?

Sir...

Whatever you are saying...

I don't understand.

Whatever I am saying...

You don't seem to understand either.

To go back to my own village...

I don't know the way.

If I am able to meet the 'collecotor'...

I was told I can study in a school.

That was the only reason,

I ran away from home.

I want to meet the 'collecotor'...

Please help me!

Here, take this.

Come on.

Why are you crying? Eat and appease your hunger.

Whose child is this?

Hold this.

My dear...

I don't know whose child She is burning with fever.

Get up, dear.

'Come, dear, get up'

Seat her in that chair.

Sit down. Don't be scared.

Can you check the child. She is unwell.

Inhale and exhale...

Give me that injection

What is the girl's name?

We don't know, doctor

We had gone to the temple.

She was shivering and lying under a tree over there.

I didn't have the heart to abandon her. So I brought her here, doctor.

This is only a normal fever.

But the child is a bit weak.

A couple of drips will do her good. Wait for 3 hours and take her.

I have an errand to run, doctor. Can I come back and take her?

I'll pay the fees and go.

- It's okay, I'll attend to it. - Thank you, doctor.

Aiyo!

'Wretched fellow! Hit the child and drove away'

'Someone call for an ambulance'

'Lift her'

Who admitted her in the hospital?

An auto driver admitted her, sir

'We interrogated him too He is not at fault'

'Take her to the hospital'

'Her life is not in danger'

'Her hands and legs are fractured'

'She had an IV line on her hand when she was admitted'

Her ovaries...

has been stolen

From such a young girl?

Bloody heartless!

Let me get hold of the rascal!

Did you ask the booth police?

Yes, sir, but the police arrived a bit late to the spot.

The bystanders took her to the hospital, sir.

- Send the CPR copy to all the stations - Okay, sir

If they receive any call about a missing child, inform me immediately

- Okay, sir - You can go

- Are all of you here? - Yes, sir

- 'Good day to all - Vanakkam, sir'

Collector sir has come to our special village meeting

He is presiding over this meeting, okay?

For the water tank in ward 3 Rs 300000 was the fund allocated

2,25,000 has been spent already

Contractor says he can finish the rest of the job

Rs 300,000 for street lights.

Excluding all this, we have collected a temple festival fund of Rs 300,000

- Do all of you agree? - Yes, sir

- Good morning, sir - Tell me, sir

Sir, 4 days ago a child was involved in an accident

Accident?

We are unable to understand the language she speaks.

We haven't been able to identify. Nor has anyone come looking for her.

But repeatedly she says 'Collector' trying to convey something to us

So I think it will be better if sir can come over here.

Sir is in a meeting

I'll convey this immediately.

- Okay? - 'Okay, sir'

- Greetings, sir. - Greetings.

It has been ages since lamp posts were erected in our village

But we have no current nor light, sir

Our village has been blessed with your presence.

Kindly help us get electricity, sir.

Sir, this is not a meeting to find faults.

This meeting is for you to claim what is rightfully yours.

If your streets are not lit as it should be, ask for your right boldly.

Decisions made in a village meeting...

It is equivalent to a law passed in the Parliament

Even the Court cannot refute it...

But the decisions taken,

Should be only for the welfare of the village.

No religion should be targeted or demeaned.

Nor should an individual benefit selfishly.

There should be no separate agenda.

This meeting is convened for the welfare of your villagers.

Even I am a mere bystander...

So take a wise decision and I will fulfill it for sure.

Our demands will be met it seems. All of you can leave without any stress

Sir, we got a call from the office of the Superintendent of Police.

A young girl is involved in an accident it seems.

The moment she regained consciousness,

She has been badgering them to meet the collector.

So SP wanted to know-

How is the girl now?

She is alright.

- Let's go - Okay

- Sir - Which hospital?

- She is admitted in Govt Hospital - Come

How is she now?

She is fine.

How are you, child?

Talk to sir...

Si...sir

I feel...

When I see everyone...

I feel so scared.

I want to go back to my own village

But...I don't know the way back home

Now I-

My mother and father

I want to see them.

Somehow take me back home.

I request you earnestly.

You will be fine.

Don't worry.

Did you understand the language she spoke?

I understood

This is the language the gypsies speak

I mean this is the wandering clan kind of speech

I know a 'bhai' who knows this language Let me fetch him for you

- Chandran - Sir?

Don't be hasty

- This isn't gypsy language - Is it so?

As far as I know this is some-

A mixture of Malayalam and Tamil

She must have come from a mountain village nearby

Also,

Recently I heard of an author who wrote about these hill tribes

- Author? - 6 months ago

He fought on their behalf for a permanent land deed.

I know him. His name is Dhanraj.

- Bring him to me - Okay, sir

This is Mr Dhanraj

- Vanakkam, sir - Please come

Sir, I know this child very well.

She belongs to Poonkodi village.

What happened, sir?

She was in a minor accident.

Her life is not in danger.

Where are her parents?

Sir, when I enquired about them...

I was told her parents and this girl are dead, sir.

Ranger is the main cause, sir

His ego got pricked because of being suspended and he killed her parents.

The people fought for their land till the bitter end.

But that ranger...

Like hunting down beasts he started killing that tribe one by one.

These people who sowed only seeds of affection.

Those forest officers planted weeds of violence.

Today this child is struggling for her life, sir

Does she know her parents have passed away?

As far as I know, she won’t know, sir.

Then it’s best for her not to know.

Okay, sir

Sir...

- Sir - Don't cry, dear

I feel so...

...scared

Take me back home.

Don't worry, child

I will take you back as soon as you get well.

Why did you come here?

A lady teacher in Kottakudi told me...

If I meet the 'collecotor'

I can ask him to give us a school for our village.

What happened to my grandfather...

Should never happen to my mother and father.

So I left the safety of my mountains and came down to the plains in search of him.

In my village,

I'll walk through the forest, carefree

Even if I see wild beasts,

I have never once been scared.

But here,

People I have met so far.

I felt for the first time in my life....

A deep sense of fear.

My...mother and father

Please take me to them

Sir, just as we thought,

She is unaware of her parents' death, sir

A teacher in the near-by village told her to meet the collector, so she could study.

She ranaway hoping somehow to meet you, sir.

Unfamiliar with the route, she lost her sense of direction.

The poor child has suffered terribly, not knowing how to return home.

Blindly trusting that if she met you, she could study at a school.

She went through great suffering, hungry and afraid, sir.

Sir...

I know this for certain, sir.

That mountain tribe isn’t afraid of even the wildest beasts there.

But that child tells me,

“I’m terrified of the people here, sir.”

She wants to be back with her mother and father

I will educate you and make your dream come true

You don't worry about anything, child

I'm there for you

This is the 'collecotor' you have been looking for

Don't spare the wrong-doer whoever he may be

Check all the private hospitals

If anyone comes on recommendation put him behind bars too

"Child so pure Flower of nature"

'DISTRICT COLLECTOR OFFICE, THENI'

"I will take care of you hereafter And enrich your life better"

"Girl, you came to stay forever in my life as my daughter"

"Like the first streak of dawn to savor painting my life with laughter"

"Life does not bloom if you stand wilted in gloom"

"Take bold steps forward Worry fetches no reward"

"If you quicken your footsteps with gusto"

"The entire village will follow as your faithful shadow"

"Tender breeze, rise and blow, my dear"

Arrange for a meeting with Tahsildar, DFO, Education department

I'll do it, sir

Sir, you are already delayed Please go in

- Good evening, sir - Hello, sir

- Sir waiting, please go in - Thank you

How many schools have been opened in the mountain villages in our district?

Sir, under our control are 39 mountain hamlets.

8 villages have boarding schools that provide mid day meals

Children from the remaining 11 villages go to the school in the nearest village

Teachers appointed in these schools are doing so as a duty with no other go

"Girl, you came to stay forever in my life as my daughter"

"Like the first streak of dawn, hereafter painting my life with love & laughter"

- Sir - Please sit down

I don't want any secret or surreptitious stuff

'Think of everyone as equals'

Whatever it is, talk openly

Sir, a lot of villages do not send their girl children to schools

Sir, girls after they attain puberty

...should not inter-act with young boys is a custom they strictly follow

We face a language issue too Not everyone is fluent in Tamil

Mudhuvar, Navalar, Valiyar

Mullukurumbar, Malai Vettuvar

Badugar, Kaadar, Irular, Kaatunayakar

They speak a different language alien to us

'All of them find it hard to study in Tamil medium of education'

Kallakudi, Sangankudi, Paramamkadavu

Irupugal, Poonkodi, Kurinjikodi, Udumbanpaarai

More than 10 communities like this have rejected the concept of school education

Sir, we have submitted reports to the previous collector too

'He did not take any action'

When our own superiors don't take any action

...what can we do, sir?

If you all keep giving excuses like this, what can be done?

Tamil poet Bharathidasan has said 'Education is like a sweet plantain'

We should make education ripen like a fruit to taste sweet

Because of our inconvenience we should not make education bitter

They have still not got the education you and I got and that is bothering me

I need all their details from all your departments immediately

Okay, sir

I'll talk to the minister and arrange to open a school there

"The sky showers rain on you like your mother with love so true"

"When you cup it in your hand now for you, my child, no more sorrow"

'PRIVATE HOSPITAL SEALED FOR ILLEGAL ACTS'

"The earth as your father guides you ahead"

"Protecting you in every path you tread"

"Hills and land around will be your kith and kin eternally"

"In the lullaby of the leaves wonderful life will no longer be a burden woeful"

- How is she, doctor? - She is alright now

We'll remove the cast after 1 week

She can walk normally after that

Call me anytime if you need any help, doctor

Thank you, sir

"Child so innocent Flower of the forest"

"Like eye and lid are never apart I'll protect you with all my heart"

"Girl, you came to stay forever in my life as my daughter"

"Like the first streak of dawn hereafter painting my life with love & laughter"

Meenamma, her name is Kurinji

- She will be staying with us from now on - 'Okay, sir'

'KHRUSHCHEV LIED'

"For those who toil all day through to make their dreams come true"

"The Lord comes rushing always to lend a hand and words of praise"

"Goddess of Wealth will garland and cherish those who relentlessly rise to accomplish"

What, Meenamma?

Do you understand this child's language?

I asked you if you understand?

"The sky shows the way to a new day if today is disheartening in every way"

"You will lead a life without any woe thanks to a new tomorrow, my dear doe"

"Your efforts despite the pain will replace your loss with gain"

"Be bold and brave, walk ahead without worrying your pretty head"

- Hello - I'm Collector Muthuvel speaking

- Yes, sir - Let Kurinji study here

She won't feel she has been abandoned

I'll take care of everything from now on

As time goes by, we can tell her about her parents' demise later

I'll make arrangements to open a school for that community very soon

Okay, sir

Sir, generally officers like you

Pass orders and move on to the next job

But I am happy you are empathizing with her and following up with so much sincerity

"If you quicken your footsteps with gusto"

"As your faithful shadow the entire village will follow"

"Tender breeze, rise and blow, my dear"

"Anticipate your dreams coming true here"

Which school did the child study previously?

She hasn't studied in any school yet

She is a beginner

'She is from the neighboring tribal hamlet'

She doesn't know to speak Tamil

'But she understands to a certain extent'

She's my responsibility hereafter

I'll take care of everything, sir

We can fill up the form and admit her tomorrow

Thanks, ma'am

Why are you upset?

What happened, Kurinji?

Sir

I didn't want to be the only one to study

I didn't come looking for you only for myself

Our entire-

Our entire community should benefit

That's why I came here

In this school

The education you are giving me

If you can extend it to my village also

Everyone will be happy and ready to study

Okay, dear

Why are you worried for this?

You can study along with the children from your clan

But you have to be happy, okay?

Chandran, collect all the details from them

Take Kurinji and go to her hamlet

- Okay? - Mountain top?

The officers you need will accompany you

All of you do what is required for all your neighboring tribal villages

Kurinji

Now you can happily go to Poonkodi village

Okay?

Your dream of a school in your village will come true very soon

Whatever and whenever you need anything

Don't hesitate to ask me, okay?

I'll always be there for you

What are you thinking, dear?

Did you understand what I just told you?

Sir

With whatever trust I came from the safety of my hamlet

With the same faith

I want to take back with me

I would like you to come with me too

If you come along

The people of my village and my parents

...will be very happy

What is this child saying, sir?

Arrange for us to go to Poonkodi village tomorrow

Sir, just because she wishes it don't nod your head and agree, sir

It is hard to hold our head high later

The village is not near by...

It is in the center of three hills.

So used to the cool comfort of air conditioned cars

When we see a flight of stairs we enquire if there's an elevator

It is not that easy to climb up those mountains, sir

We will be dehydrated and lie somewhere in between

The dangerous beasts over there don't know your designation or I'm your secretary, sir

This won't work out, sir

I'll call the forest officer here and send this girl safely with him, sir

If you get startled by the mountain the height of it will weigh on us more

Running the Govt is not just in the hands of the ruling party

It is also how officers like us function

We are going up that hill. Make the arrangements.

You have decided already. I'll take care of the other arrangements.

Make it fast...

Sir, after this point we can only go by walk.

Follow me, sir

He doesn't realise the consequences...

Watch your step, sir

Are you aware?

Hey, mind the horses. Don't slip and fall down.

It is not a horse, donkey

Next ride, huh?

Have we reached the hamlet?

Hungering for ham now, huh?

We are only quarter way through.

It is a long climb to the top.

Is it that peak over there?

What peak?

Not that, man

You see the hill over there

- The mountainside above that - Aiyo!

We have go 10 km downhill from there.

10 kilometers?

If you tell the collector I have a weak heart

I'll slowly back out and go back

Even to climb up a mountain, now you know you need your beloved bro-in-law

I think you are avenging a long time revenge.

You have a hole in your heart.

This man has a bad knee.

That chap is diabetic

If all you officers are roaming around with various ailments, who will work?

'Watch your step and walk'

'Don't roll backwards'

I have a catch in my back I can't take a step forward.

'Let's carry on'

Sir, we'll wait here, sir

Sir...

Turn around once.

You won't gasp for breath.

A river flows nearby,

You'll feel better if you dip your feet in it.

Everybody turn around...

Hey uncle!

Turn around

For what?

If you look back at the path you walked...

Your gasping will stop it seems.

Who said so?

This girl just said. Now stop piling questions.

- Turn around - Oh! Straight from the horse's mouth, eh?!

Thank God!

Everyone turn around

I feel I can catch my breath now

- Hey, fish - What, man?

This little girl knows more scientific facts than we do.

She is too brilliant.

What's this fruit? Growing all over the place.

Mangosteen fruit.

- What's that? - Great source of nourishment.

He's got into his doctor avatar!

I am starving. Pluck a few fruits for me.

Ask me directly, not roundabout way saying good for kidney or as chutney.

Sir, please wait.

Please don't pluck it

Fruits within our hand's reach we reserve for elephants

The fruits above are for sparrows and doves

What is hidden from our eyes is for us.

I can pluck and give you the fruits we can't see easily.

Whatever she said is going above my head!

Sir, what did she say just now?

Fruits at our hand's reach is for elephants

Whatever fruits seen above is for all the birds

Really!

Whatever is hidden from our vision

She says, only that is for us.

Oh!

Don't we have to really hunt for good souls in our land?

Yes, that is true.

Very humble girl

Give a fruit to sir.

It is okay if I am unable to understand that girl's language

But just like she said, as soon as I dipped my feet in the water

Every ounce of pain in my body vanished into thin air.

What is that bundle you are carrying?

It is an emergency case So we are taking her to the doctor

Oh! You are carrying a human being?

Go carefully and save that life.

Imagine what a terrible life they are leading!

You should study well, son

You too, my dear girl

- You should not struggle like me. - Okay, pa

Let me see how long we have walked

Is there no other path?

No, sir

Shortcuts have been blocked by some wretched fellows

We have to walk around 8 km for a distance of 4 km to the school.

When the river floods, that's it

We have to sit at home for 3 months

We have been giving pleas and petitions to the Govt.

We are fed up.

They promise to build a bridge.

Five years later, they will repeat the same promise.

We are used to these false promises.

Kindly climb up carefully, sir

Where is that fence?

Sir, this is the fence.

Hey, fish

We think these tribal men are stuck inside a forest.

But they know politics like the back of their hand.

They are more knowledgeable than you.

- Break down this fence now - Huh?

- I said 'break down this fence' - Whaaat?

Why hesitate when our collector has ordered us to do so?

Let some good come out of this.

Hey, fish.. Break everything away.

Go over there and break it.

Yov, lungi! If anyone dares to erect a fence here

Tell him I will strip him head to toe!

Hereafter if anyone erects a fence in the forest, break it to pieces

If anyone stops you,

tell them the Government's got your back.

Our Kurinji has come back home to us

She has come back.

- Aunt, come here. - She has come atlast.

Come here.

Where have you been all these time?

Thank God for bringing her back.

The 'collecotor' is here to meet all of you.

Where are my parents?

Where are they, aunt?

Both of them have left us, dear.

Ammmaaaa!

Kurinji

Nothing in life stays with us permanently.

Only our education is a part of us till we die.

I don't see you as an ordinary girl.

I see you as a revolutionist who fought for the education of many other girls.

The education I bring to your clan will laud you as a sterling example to follow.

Your entire village should be proud of you.

The doors of my house will always be open for you.

You can walk in anytime as a daughter would.

- Take good care of this child. - Yes, sir

No one has to be scared of anything anymore.

This is your forest.

If you have any problem,

I'll come and support you.

Sir,

If we call people for work,

four persons rush in for one man's job.

If I tell them the work is on the hillside.

They tell me they have their own graveyard, Why should they go to the mountain and die?

There is no road, no electricity. Wild animals pose a problem.

No one is coming forward with all these disadvantages

But someone who loves education like you,

A good teacher will definitely come.

But it will take some time.

What is this, Chandran?

It's 50 years since we got Independence...

And we are not even able to give education to those tribal children.

They may be living on the top,

But their livelihood is still a bottomless abyss!

Teaching is not a job, Chandran.

It is a service.

Whatever the outcome,

I have given that girl my word.

Not just that, Chandran.

This is our duty.

Try your maximum best.

I'll definitely try, sir.

- Good morning, sir - Tell me, sir.

Regarding this school matter,

Has this Government or officers ever said no to any of your requests?

The Government Order has been passed.

The selected teachers don't want to accept the post.

They are canceling their order.

What to do?

I'm not sure if it will happen soon.

I think it will take time.

'Education always'

'Wants to give something to others'

'Instead of just being happy at work'

'I wanted to work to make others happy'

'If you study, you can scale new heights'

'I wished the people on top to study too'

'I became a collector from being a teacher'

'I resigned as a collector'

'And for those people'

'I took up the job of a teacher again'

'I realised I can create many more collectors'

- Kurinji - Sir

- Read this out to everyone - Okay, sir

'Building 1000s of dining halls'

'Erecting 16,000 temples'

'And so many other such charitable deeds'

'May you be blessed by educating an illiterate'

'Excellent, Kurinji'

'Who wrote this, Kurinji?'

'Poet Bharathiyar'

Dear...

Don't you worry.

In the form of the hustling wind, or the air you breathe...

we are with you.

Do not give up on this people like we did.

Don't you ever go back on the decision that you made.

Your upcoming generation will remember you.

Greetings, everyone.

To stand in front of you on this stage is giving me confidence and motivation.

The main reason behind this,

The man who was my father and mother,

The man who served us all,

The man who made me stand here as Kurinji IAS.

My first salute to my dear teacher.

Everyone is a teacher who imparts his or her knowledge to others.

In that way, sir did not merely educate me.

He instilled in me a lot of confidence too

Just because girls will start asking questions if they are educated.

For many centuries we were denied our right to knowledge.

But only we know the reason behind it.

Many social activists like Ambedkar, Periyar, Jyotiba Phule, Gandhi

...have fought for equal education

Even among the four castes distinguished by their differences

...if one from the lower caste learns

Even one from the higher caste will seek knowledge from him

'Quote from Sangam poetry'

There is an important message in that song

If a lower person goes up, it doesn't mean the person on top comes down in stature

It means, everyone is equal

That is the beauty of education

Sir, in your 25 years of service

You have created 8 collectors, 6 IPS, 15 teachers and the list goes on

And all of them are tribal people from the mountains

How do you feel about this, sir?

Doing something for our society is not an achievement

I am doing my duty for these people

Education is doing its part by imparting it back to the people

If the roots are strong and run deep

The trees will spread their branches and grow tall

'In the mountain villages near Bodi, in Theni district'

'Only 2 teachers have been appointed for the students in this entire area'

'Hesitating to climb the hill daily to reach the school'

'Teachers are absent more often than not is a complaint lodged by the people there'

'I passed 12th grade and wished to do my under-graduation in nursing'

'Due to flooding of this river and no proper road facilities'

'I couldn't attend counseling in time'

'We don't have electricity in our village after 6:00 p.m'

'I don't go to school'

- But do you wish to study? - Very much

'Education will develop a society'

'Realizing this, a teenage girl from a tribal village'

'...is the first girl from her village to score maximum marks in 10th grade'

'Sangavi who hails from this village aspiring to be a doctor'

'Passed NEET exam and distinguished herself'

'...as the first generation student to attend college'

'Neethu Sen has passed the exam heaping praise and credibility to Thoda tribal village'

Judge at the young age of 23

'That too, hailing from Pazhangudi village with zero facilities or exposure'

'Considering education and protection as her first and foremost task'

'Sreedhanya, a tribal girl in Wayanad, Kerala district passed her civil service'